Pitx2, A β-Catenin-Regulated Transcription Factor, Regulates The Differentiation Of Outer Root Sheath Cells Cultured In Vitro
February 2009
in “
Journal of dermatological science
”
TLDR Pitx2 helps outer root sheath cells differentiate but can't start hair growth on its own.
The study demonstrated that β-catenin regulated the differentiation of outer root sheath (ORS) cells by inducing the expression of keratin 16, keratin 17, and the transcription factor Pitx2. Overexpression of β-catenin in ORS cells led to increased levels of these markers, suggesting its role in promoting follicular differentiation. Pitx2, identified as a downstream effector of β-catenin, also increased the expression of keratin 16 and 17, indicating its function as a positive regulator of follicular differentiation. However, Pitx2 alone was not sufficient to induce the anagen phase of hair growth, highlighting the need for further investigation into its regulatory mechanisms.
